Wisdom

Apple Cider vinegar has been known for its health giving benefits since Hippocratic times. Natural apple cider vinegar should be slightly cloudy because it contains the highly nutritious ‘mother’. The ‘mother’ contains a wealth of pectin, trace minerals, friendly bacteria and enzymes. It can be mixed into salad dressings, sauces, marinades and pickling recipes, or why not try this recipe for spicy apple cider vinegar and strawberry relish.

Q: My skin always feels quite dry at this time of the year. Are there any nutrients that might help?

Vision is one the most precious things we possess but, just like the rest of the body, our eyes can be prone to problems as we age. Conditions such as age related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts are the leading causes of blindness in adults in the UK, accounting for almost half of adult blindness. The good news is that they are also preventable, so whatever your age, making the right lifestyle choices now could help save your eyesight in the future.

Cholesterol is a type of fat or lipid found in all cells in the body. It forms part of the cell’s outer layer and is transported around the body in blood attached to a protein.

Ageing is a hot topic, with 1960’s baby boomers predicted to outnumber children aged under five years by 2050. But whilst the population is ageing, healthy life expectancy in the UK is only 64 years for women and 63 years for men.

Retaining our youthful glow is something we all hope to achieve as we head into our middle years and beyond. Learning to embrace fine lines and wrinkles is a vital part of a well-balanced approach to the aging process, but healthy choices at any life stage can help to minimise premature skin ageing.

If you are a natural health newshound you may have seen astaxanthin mentioned in the press recently. So, what is all the fuss about?

There are some excellent seasonal fruits and vegetables in the winter packed absolutely full of antioxidants. It’s easy to overindulge over the festive period but with a little careful planning and simple substitutions, you can add a healthy kick to every meal.

Not sleeping? You are not alone! Sleep problems are the scourge of our times, with stress and anxiety, use of mobile phones and tablets late at night, as well as caffeine and alcohol all taking their toll on our “shut-eye”. But don’t worry - deep restorative sleep is within your grasp, if you take the time to develop good practices.

Whether your New Year’s resolution is to stop smoking, lose a few pounds and hit the gym, or cut down on your favourite tipple, studies show that it’s all about the brain.

Q: My colleagues might be wrapping up warm but I suffer terribly with hot flushes and am forever taking layers off. What do you recommend?

Q: Is it true that carrots are good for eye health?